Jolly and Duke get to feed fish at Cemetary Reef

Today we took Jolly and Duke for a very short dingy ride in Spicey to look at all the fish at Cemetary Reef and feed them. 

Now they want to go climb on one of the Rock Islands. We will try to find a small one for them to explore.  Maybe tomorrow.

Jollymon and Duke get to go to the Rock Islands, October 2009

We spent last week out exploring the Rock Islands of Palau.  The weather was beautiful so we decided it would be a good time to take Jolly and Duke out exploring since Duke wants so badly to go for a ride in Spicey.

But first, they needed sunscreen since it was so warm and sunny.

And then, we needed to protect them from saltwater splashes in the dingy, so Nonie got out a ziplock bag.  But, Jolly remembered what Julia said about plastic bags and told us,  " Do not to zip it tight or we will have a breathing situation!"

"Here we go Jolly.  I am so excited about going for a ride in Spicey!  I have been waiting for this day since I arrived in August! "

Finally, we are out exploring when we spot a cave and take Jolly and Duke inside to climb on the walls of the cave.

"That was so much fun!!!"   Duke and Jolly got to help drive Spicey back to Creola.

"Hey Duke, this is the cut in the rocks to return to Creola.  We will be back home soon".

They were so tired from their day of exploring, sunshine and climbing in the cave that they needed to take a nap in the hammock.

But before their nap, they got to have a cookie.   Jolly likes the peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and Duke prefers double stuffed oreos.












Stay tuned for more adventures of Jollymon and Duke out at the Rock Islands of Palau.

Duke, Surfer Bear joins Creola Crew

We returned from California in July 2009 with a new crew member and friend for Jollyman.  Meet Duke, the surfer bear.  He belongs to Keegan and Kirsten.

Nonie and Papa asked if Duke could come with us to Creola.  We explained that he would be able to  have fun adventures exploring, seeing the world, and he would send back stories to go with his adventures.  Everyone agreed and Duke was packed safely for his trip to Creola in Palau.   Our crew members are gaining on us!!!

Of course, the first thing we had to do when we unpacked Duke was to introduce him to Jollyman and they instantly became great friends.  Now our pillows are graced with Jollyman and Duke  :)

Stay tuned for tales of their first adventure.  Duke keeps saying something about going ashore with us and being our "dingy captain" ??   Do you think he will actually get to do that and will Duke invite Jolly to come along?

Jollyman's Cousin

This past Christmas, 2009, we were given a beautiful pink flamingo ornament from Jeremy and Lisa.  They know Jollyman's story and this ornament would be perfect hanging among our holiday decorations.   However, this ornament is too cute to put away and hangs permanently in the saloon.  And of course, Jollyman had to meet his "cousin from Miami."

Jollyman, Creola's original crew

While we were still living in Stockton, we returned to our home one day to find a basket with a note on it:  "Please take good care of me."  Upon opening the basket, we found an adorable, pink stuffed flamingo that we promptly named Jollyman (after JB and our good friends, Bob and Judy who named their parrot Jollyman).  Jollyman promptly became a part of our bedroom decor, gracing himself among our bed pillows.

We knew immediately who and where he came from.  Around 1986 we became very good friends with Mike and Lisa, and Eric and Julie.  We entertained quite a bit, and especially during the holiday season.  At one of the parties, Bill and I noticed a pink flamingo ornament hanging on their tree and quickly bagged it. When we got home, it graced our tree, until it was found by Mike and Lisa when they came to our house.  Of course, they took it back and so became this little game of "where is the pink flamingo ornament"?

Jollyman moved aboard Creola with us in December 04, as we were preparing to begin our sailing adventures.  While exploring Mexico, Bill found the great heart-shaped pin "Te amour",  and we pinned it on Jollyman.  He graces our bed, sitting amongst the pillows, or sometimes lounging, and the expression on his face brings a smile to ours.  Thanks Mike and Lisa! :)